Director, Systems Engineering Jobs

Explore Director, Systems Engineering opportunities on Ladders, where you can find vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more. These senior leaders guide the design, integration, and performance of complex systems while aligning engineering work with business goals.

What Does a Director of Systems Engineering Do?

Directors of Systems Engineering set technical direction across products, platforms, and programs. They oversee systems architecture and requirements, coordinate cross-functional engineering teams, manage technical risks, and help ensure solutions meet performance, reliability, security, and regulatory expectations. The scope varies by organization and industry, from software and telecommunications to aerospace, defense, manufacturing, and healthcare technology.

Common Responsibilities

  • Define systems engineering strategy, architecture principles, and technical roadmaps.
  • Lead managers and multidisciplinary teams through development, integration, verification, and validation.
  • Translate customer and business needs into system requirements and measurable outcomes.
  • Oversee budgets, schedules, staffing, vendor relationships, and program risks.
  • Partner with product, software, hardware, operations, and executive leaders.
  • Improve engineering processes, quality practices, and lifecycle governance.

Qualifications and Skills

Employers commonly seek extensive engineering experience and a record of leading complex programs or large technical teams. A bachelor's degree in systems engineering or a related discipline is often expected; some positions prefer an advanced degree. Valuable strengths include systems architecture, requirements management, integration and test, risk management, technical communication, strategic planning, and people leadership. Specific qualifications depend on the employer and sector.

Find Director, Systems Engineering Roles on Ladders

Browse vetted Director, Systems Engineering openings and compare opportunities by employer, location, industry, and responsibilities. Ladders focuses on professional roles paying $100,000 or more, helping experienced engineering leaders explore their next career move.

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$199K - $270K *

Elevate your career by leading cybersecurity architecture initiatives, translating strategy into actionable standards, and embedding security across enterprise projects to ensure robust protection and...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by leading the strategy and lifecycle of airframe products, driving market growth and profitability through cross-functional collaboration and innovative product development in the av...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $147K *

Unlock your potential as a Systems Engineer, collaborating on innovative solutions for strategic defense. Drive requirements development, model-based engineering, and verification activities to enhanc...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $158K *

Unlock potential by leading network systems engineering efforts, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and developing critical documentation for complex systems. Enhance your career while support...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$168K - $253K *

Unlock innovative electronics solutions by leading complex hardware strategies, guiding architecture decisions, and mentoring engineers to drive efficiency and reliability in power-conversion technolo...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$132K - $198K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative counter-UAS systems, integrating optics, computer vision, and embedded technologies. Drive cross-functional collaboration to create cohesive, mission-critical...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $150K *

Unlock potential by leading complex control systems projects, ensuring delivery excellence across safety, quality, and customer satisfaction. Mentor Project Managers and drive strategic alignment to s...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$129K - $174K *

Join a dynamic team to design and implement AI-driven tools for automating network management across Amazon's global fulfillment centers, enhancing operational efficiency and scalability...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$135K - $160K *

Drive technical excellence and team growth as you lead engineering efforts, ensuring high standards and effective delivery while fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration. Your leadershi...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $200K *

Lead and develop a high-performing engineering team focused on object storage solutions. Drive execution, mentor engineers, and collaborate with Product Management to align technical priorities with b...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$127K - $153K *

Engage with a dynamic team to lead mechanical engineering efforts in developing advanced phased array communication systems, ensuring high-quality execution and continuous improvement across multiple...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in systems engineering support for advanced technology programs, driving mission performance improvements through analysis, risk management, and technical expertise in radar and electr...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$88K - $153K *

Unlock your potential as a Systems Engineer, driving installation and support for cross-domain systems globally. Collaborate with teams to integrate solutions, enhance security, and deliver exceptiona...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $200K *

Drive the successful delivery of hyper-scale data center projects, overseeing all phases from design to construction. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure quality and timely execution while foster...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leading multidisciplinary teams in the development of advanced aerospace power systems. Drive technical excellence from concept through prototype qualification, ensuring integrated...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's advancing digital engineering practices and integrating MBSE with multidisciplinary engineering efforts. Collaborate with government stakeholders to define architectures and enhance...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$190K - $240K *

Shape the future of data center architecture by leading complex, multi-site programs. Drive innovation in design and operations while mentoring teams and ensuring projects meet budget and schedule goa...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$184K - $225K *

Shape high-speed digital and mixed-signal hardware development while leading a talented engineering team. Drive design excellence and oversee product line execution across multiple sites in a dynamic...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$86K - $198K *

Shape the future of national-security space systems by guiding integration and evaluation efforts. Leverage your expertise in sensor integration and systems engineering to enhance mission performance...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$75K - $98K *

Join us in leading a dynamic team focused on microwave power module production. Oversee daily operations, ensure quality compliance, and drive continuous improvement while collaborating with engineeri...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$166K - $309K *

Transform the future of electronics architecture by leading a dynamic team, driving innovative proposals, and enhancing customer engagement while ensuring mission requirements are met through effectiv...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$148K - $275K *

Drive innovation by leading a team of electronics architects to design and develop complex systems. Collaborate on proposals and product strategies while ensuring alignment with mission requirements a...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$166K - $309K *

Drive innovation in system architecture by leading a team of architects, managing proposals, and engaging with customers to develop cutting-edge electronics solutions that meet mission requirements an...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$185K - $344K *

Elevate the Electronics Architect group by managing team dynamics, driving proposal strategies, and ensuring effective system architecture development. Lead recruitment and foster customer engagement...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$185K - $344K *

Partner with us to lead the Electronics Architect group, driving system architecture development and team management while supporting proposals and product strategies in a dynamic environment...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Director of Systems Engineering do?question toggle

    A Director of Systems Engineering sets technical strategy and oversees teams responsible for system architecture, requirements, integration, verification, and delivery. The role also connects engineering decisions to business objectives, timelines, budgets, and customer needs.

  • What qualifications are commonly required for Director, Systems Engineering jobs?question toggle

    Requirements vary, but employers often look for a bachelor's degree in systems engineering or a related technical field, substantial engineering experience, and a history of leading multidisciplinary teams or complex programs. Some roles prefer an advanced degree or industry-specific credentials.

  • Which industries hire Directors of Systems Engineering?question toggle

    Employers may include companies in aerospace and defense, software, telecommunications, manufacturing, healthcare technology, and other industries that develop or operate complex systems.

  • What skills are important for a Director of Systems Engineering?question toggle

    Commonly valued skills include systems architecture, requirements management, integration and test, technical risk management, strategic planning, cross-functional communication, budgeting, and team leadership.

  • Where can I find Director, Systems Engineering jobs paying $100,000 or more?question toggle

    Ladders features vetted professional job opportunities paying $100,000 or more. Browse current listings to explore Director, Systems Engineering roles by employer, location, industry, and responsibilities.